Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund to set up star-studded Club World Cup semifinal

The latest two winners of the UEFA Champions League will square off in one of the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup this week in New Jersey. 

Real Madrid continued to advance without many minutes from striker Kylian Mbappé, but the French striker netted a spectacular bicycle-kick goal amid a wild stoppage-time finish for both sides. 

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also made a last-second diving save to preserve a 3-2 decision over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday at MetLife Stadium. 


Fran Farcia (L.) celebrates with Gonzalo Garcia during the Real Madrid-Borussia Dortmund match on July 5, 2025.
Fran Farcia (L.) celebrates with Gonzalo Garcia during the Real Madrid-Borussia Dortmund match on July 5, 2025. AFP via Getty Images

Real Madrid will face Paris Saint-Germain — the current UCL champs and a 2-0 winner earlier Saturday over Bayern Munich — in the semis Wednesday in East Rutherford. 

“Well, I thought we are so lucky that we have Thibaut in goal because he’s always one of those keepers that makes you win games,” Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso said. “Today that save has been so decisive and he’s a great influence so we can be thrilled that we have Thibaut on goal for us.” 

Gonzalo García and Fran García buried first-half goals for Real Madrid in the rematch of the 2024 Champions League title match, which also was won by Los Blancos by a 2-0 count. 

No matter where you are in the world, you can watch the FIFA Club World Cup for free on DAZN. All you need to get started is an email address. No subscription is required, but you will have to make a free account on the streamer to start watching.

DAZN also has premium, paid options available to enhance your viewing experience with HDR picture, Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound, and fewer ads. DAZN Premium plans begin at $19.99/month.

Mbappé was listed as available as a substitute Saturday, and the French striker came on for Real Madrid to huge cheers in the 67th minute. He also had entered in the 68th minute of a Round of 16 victory over Italian club Juventus after missing the team’s three matches in the group stage of the tournament due to an illness. 

Before the match, the sides observed a moment of silence for Portuguese stars Diogo Jota and André Silva, who died earlier in the week in an automobile crash in Spain. 

Gonzalo García rewarded Alonso’s confidence in keeping him in the Starting XI with his fourth goal of the tournament, a left-footed volley beyond Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel’s reach off a cross from Arda Guler in the 10th minute. 


Kylian Mbappé scoring a goal for Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund.
Kylian Mbappe scores during the Rea Madrid-Borussia Dortmund match on July 5, 2025. AFP via Getty Images

Fran García made it 2-0 when he made a run from his left back spot to get on the end of another cross for a one-timer about 10 minutes later. 

Maximilian Beier finally got one back for Dortmund two minute intp stoppage time, but Mbappé restored the two-goal with an acrobatic, world-class finish two minute later. He then made a 20 with his fingers for the cameras to honor Jota, who wore that number for Liverpool. 

Dortmund netted a second goal in the eighth of 10 minute of stoppage time on a penalty kick by Serhou Guirassy following a red-card foul in the box by Dean Huijsen. 

They nearly got the equalizer, too, but Courtois made a diving glove stop of Marcel Sabitzer’s shot towards the lower left corner of the net to preserve the victory. 

“It is a great, big save. That’s the reason why he’s the best goalkeeper in the world,” Dortmund manager Niko Kovac said. “You must be there when the team needs you. This was a big, big, big save. To be honest, it’s a deserved win for Real Madrid. If we score this one it will be a little bit unfair. 

“It’s not a failure if you go home after a defeat against Real Madrid.”

Source link

Visited 1 times, 1 visit(s) today

Related Article

Article image:Newcastle Eye Seri A Signing as Defensive Reinforcements Become Crucial

Newcastle Eye Seri A Signing as Defensive Reinforcements Become Crucial

Newcastle’s Scalvini Pursuit Signals Ambition But Carries Risk Reinforcements Needed for Dual Front Battle Newcastle United’s interest in Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini is as persistent as it is ambitious. With both Premier League and Champions League football on the Magpies’ calendar, defensive reinforcements are not just advisable, they are essential. Chronicle Live reports that Newcastle’s admiration

UDINE, ITALY - APRIL 11: Theo Hernández of AC Milan celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Serie A match between Udinese and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on April 11, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Theo Hernandez will not join Milan pre-season while waiting for Al-Hilal

Sunday’s reports confirm that Theo Hernandez will not join the rest of the Milan squad for the start of pre-season training next week while he awaits the formal completion of his transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Theo Hernandez is on the verge of joining Al-Hilal on a permanent basis after six years in

epa11606524 FC Inter's Davide Frattesi on the ground during the Italian Serie A soccer match between AC Monza and FC Inter, in Monza, Italy, 15 September 2024. EPA-EFE/ROBERTO BREGANI

Frattesi: Inter midfielder requires surgery after Club World Cup

Sunday’s reports confirm that Inter midfielder and Italy international Davide Frattesi is set for a brief spell on the sidelines, as he requires surgery to address a hernia problem that he has been suffering from over the last few weeks. Frattesi travelled with the rest of the Nerazzurri squad for their underwhelming FIFA Club World

Wrexham are reportedly keen on signing a player who has appeared in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest

Wrexham ‘agree club record deal for Premier League star’ – as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-backed side aim to make mark on Championship

By ZAC CAMPBELL Published: 11:04 BST, 6 July 2025 | Updated: 11:08 BST, 6 July 2025 Wrexham have reportedly agreed a club-record deal for a Premier League player ahead of their return to the Championship.  The Robins have enjoyed a meteoric rise through the divisions since being taken over by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney

Premier League forward still hopes for Barcelona move despite multiple offers

Premier League forward still hopes for Barcelona move despite multiple offers

According to an update from La Vanguardia, it has come to light that although Marcus Rashford has received other offers, his desire is to play for Barcelona. After Nico Williams decided to stay at Athletic Club, Barcelona have set their sights on other targets and if reports are to be believed, Rashford is one of

Marco Carnesecchi

Inter to reignite Marco Carnesecchi interest if Sommer leaves

Inter Milan will reportedly reignite their interest in Atalanta keeper Marco Carnesecchi in the event that Yann Sommer leaves. This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews. Inter Milan are considering the possibility that they could lose goalkeeper Yann Sommer this summer. Reportedly, the 36-year-old is on the radar of Galatasaray.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x